Windber native receives second star

Windber native Raymond P. Palumbo was promoted to major general during a ceremony March 18 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson near Anchorage, Alaska.

As commander of U.S. Army Alaska, Palumbo oversees nearly 12,000 soldiers at two military bases. He is the highest ranking active duty Army officer in the state.

“Very few will attain the rank of general officer,” said Maj. Bill Coppernoll, public affairs officer for U.S. Army Alaska. “For the Army to select an officer to the general officer rank is a significant accomplishment. To be promoted to two-star rank is an even more special accomplishment.”

Palumbo, 51, has served as the commander of U.S. Army Alaska and deputy commander of the Alaskan Command since July. He credited his family, fellow service members and mentors for his success. Palumbo is the son of late Windber Mayor Art Palumbo.

“A smart man once said we’re probably all just the average of the five people we hang around with the most, and I’d like to think that’s true," Palumbo said. “There are so many people that have influenced me, from the time I was a little guy, until today. I’m the average of all that.”

Palumbo is a 1977 graduate of Windber Area High School and a 1981 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point with a bachelor’s degree in engineering. He has a master’s in administration from Central Michigan University, a master’s in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College and is a graduate of the British High Command and Staff College.

Prior to his arrival in Alaska he served at Fort Bragg, N.C., as the assistant commanding general of the Joint Special Operations Command and then as the deputy commanding general of U.S. Army Special Operations Command.

He has participated in operations around the globe, including the Persian Gulf, Panama, the Balkans, the Middle East, Somalia, South America and most recently operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.

His awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal and Defense Meritorious Service Medal. He is a master Army aviator and wears the parachutist, pathfinder and air assault badges.

Palumbo is married to the former Alice Sweet of El Paso, Texas. They have four grown children and two grandchildren.